Listen

“Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged. You’ll receive the same judgment you give. Whatever you deal out will be dealt out to you. Why do you see the splinter that’s in your brother’s or sister’s eye, but don’t notice the log in your own eye? How can you say to your brother or sister, ‘Let me take the splinter out of your eye,’ when there’s a log in your eye? You deceive yourself! First take the log out of your eye, and then you’ll see clearly to take the splinter out of your brother’s or sister’s eye.”

Matthew 7:1-5

Think

Today’s passage is about judgment, but as I began to think about it, I kept coming back to that instruction they give you on airplanes – secure your own oxygen mask before helping others. It’s a sound concept: you can’t very well help others if you’re too busy passing out, and I think it applies here as well.

As we return to the people we haven’t seen in quite some time, it may take a moment for everyone to adjust. We know the time away has been filled with fewer connections than normal, so it is more important than ever to extend empathy and compassion to classmates. It can be all too easy to judge people at face value, but taking a step back at the beginning of this year gives us an opportunity to address the aspects of social interaction we may not be as strong in rather than criticizing the shortcomings of fellow children of God.

Ellie Dieth

Pray

God, in the midst of my own nervousness about returning to class, help me to extend extra grace to those I encounter each day. Help me to offer space, patience, and compassion to my classmates and friends. And keep us safe, as we make conscious decisions during this continued pandemic. Amen.

Go

God of Grace, be the light that guides us.

God of Peace, be the strength that carries us.

God of Love, be the tie that binds us.

Together.